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An unknown artist getting co-signed by Hip-Hop’s elite is like a well-known rapper marrying his child’s mother; it rarely ever happens. Massachusetts MC Termanology has managed to do just that via his popular Hood Politics mixtape series.

Upon getting endorsed by DJ Premier, it was a matter of time before the underground Latino rapper made his proper introduction to the masses. With his official debut Politics As Usual (ST Records/Nature Sounds), he showcases his versatility and ability to hold his own with the likes of Mobb Deep, Bun B, Sheek, Freeway and others.

Sampling Jay-Z’s “D’evils”, the album opens strongly with “Watch How It Go Down.” Produced by Premier, Term likens himself as the holy resurrection of Big Pun. The jazz horn driven “Respect My Walk” falls a bit in the shadows but things piece back into place with “Hood Sh*t” featuring Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Term’s raspy flow works well over the minimal beat provided by Alchemist.

Unfortunately the disc looses pace with the next two tracks both manned by Nottz. “Float” which samples The Floaters’ classic tune “Float On”; and the West Coast leaning “Please Don’t Go” fail to stand out amongst the rest of the consistent material.

On “Drugs, Crime & Gorillaz” with Sheek Louch and Freeway, Term sounds very comfortable although he does sound a bit like Eminem on his opening verse. “In The Streets” featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P follows. By this point it’s clear that Term has a major New York influence to his delivery. Additionally The Bun B assisted “How We Rock” is probably one of the better collaborations involving two different spectrums of Hip-Hop.

Rounding out the album is “So Amazing”. Anchored by Premo’s signature boom bap production style, Term makes it clear he’s the most underrated and underestimated new face in Rap. Lastly “The Chosen” brings things to a proper close as he positions himself next in line to B.I.G. and 2Pac’s legacy. After hearing this album in its entirety, it’s inevitable that Hip-Hop may have found its new diamond in the rough. Termanology has proven that he’s ready to give rappers a run for their money.

Termanology

“So Amazing”